Holistic Diet for Cats With Kidney Disease

Chronic renal failure is a condition that is seen in cats more often than dogs. While there are many causes, it is most often seen in aging pets. Chronic renal failure is a condition that may require long-term care. Careful attention must be paid to the cat's diet and fluid intake. Many people opt for a holistic approach to kidney disease in cats, rather than the more traditional methods. A holistic veterinarian may provide guidelines for an appropriate holistic diet for cats that suffer from kidney disease.

  1. Identification

    • The primary function of a cat's kidneys is to filter out and excrete toxins from its body. As the kidneys become less efficient, more and more fluid is used by the body. This is the reason that one of the first symptoms of kidney disease in cats is an increase in thirst and urination. Most cats that have kidney disease do not show symptoms until 70 to 75 percent of kidney function is lost.

    Symptoms

    • Some of the symptoms of kidney disease in cats are increased urination, increased thirst, constipation, weight loss, fatigue, nausea and poor appetite. Other health problems, such as anemia, hypothyroidism and dehydration, can arise as kidney disease progresses.

    Diet

    • Diet is an important aspect of managing kidney disease in cats. Holistic veterinarians recommend a quality high-protein diet for cats with kidney disease. A cat's body is not designed to digest carbohydrates, and therefore grains should be avoided. Cats with kidney disease need a diet that is 70 to 90 percent meat. A holistic diet approach uses natural foods that are prepared by the cat's owner, not purchased in a bag.

    Nutritional Supplements

    • Holistic veterinarians may prescribe nutritional supplements for cats with kidney disease. Omega-3 fatty acids are extremely important to a cat's health, as are vitamin E, beta-carotene, lycopene and lutein. Before giving your cat any nutritional supplements, it is important to consult a holistic veterinarian for proper dosages.

    Considerations

    • Another holistic treatment that may benefit cats with kidney disease is acupuncture. According to holistic veterinarian Dr. David Gordon, "Acupuncture is very beneficial for cats with kidney disease because it increases blood flow to the kidneys and enhances kidney function."